Monday, February 29, 2016

Those of us who prefer not to find out were cheered when a bill that would set minimum seat size standards for commercial airlines was proposed in early February by Representative Steve Cohen of Tennessee. More recently, the issue received attention when Senator Chuck Schumer of New York said that he also wanted to set seat size standards.

“People have gotten larger since seats were shrunk,” Mr. Cohen said during a February debate about his proposed amendment to the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act.

Seats were 18 inches wide before airline deregulation in the 1970s and have since been whittled to 16 and a half inches, he said, while seat pitch used to be 35 inches and has decreased to about 31 inches. At the same time, the average man is 30 pounds heavier today than he was in 1960 (196 pounds compared with 166 pounds) and the average woman is 26 pounds heavier (166 pounds, up from 140 pounds), Mr. Cohen said, citing statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Smaller seats and larger passengers mean planes may not be capable of rapid evacuation in the event of an emergency, he said. “This affects safety and health.”

Representative Janice Hahn of California, a co-sponsor of the bill, added that passengers on cramped planes are getting in fights over products like the Knee Defender (about $22), the controversial clamps designed to attach to the arms of your tray table and prevent the person in front of you from reclining (possibly inciting a confrontation, though you can always hand your fellow passenger a Knee Defender Courtesy Card, which notes that you “realize that this may be an inconvenience”).

During the debate, Representative Rick Nolan of Minnesota, among those who voted yes for the amendment, recalled seeing a man trying to squeeze into his seat and inadvertently pull the hair of the woman sitting in front of him. “And she’s screaming at him ’cause he pulled her hair, and he’s screaming at her for screaming at him and, I mean, it’s getting out of line.”

Alas, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee voted down Mr. Cohen’s Seat Egress in Air Travel Act of 2016, 33 to 26, on Feb. 11. But I’m still holding out hope. Mr. Cohen introduced the act as a stand-alone bill on Feb. 8 and plans to introduce it again as an amendment if or when the F.A.A. Reauthorization comes to the House floor for consideration, according to a spokesman for Mr. Cohen. On Feb. 28, Senator Schumer of New York announced that he would offer an amendment to the F.A.A. Reauthorization bill that would require seat-size standards. “The average passenger feels like they’re being treated as a sardine,” he said during a news conference. “Squeezed and squeezed and squeezed.”

Whatever happens, Mr. Cohen’s bill raises important questions. Smaller seats are doubtless uncomfortable and unfair to travelers who are especially tall or heavy. But are they also unsafe?

There are two main concerns addressed by the Seat Egress in Air Travel Act: “economy class syndrome” (the condition experienced by travelers who develop deep vein thrombosis, the formation of a blood clot or clots, after long-distance flights) and the ability for passengers to safely evacuate a plane when they can barely get into their seats in the best of circumstances.

The risk of developing deep vein thrombosis or a pulmonary embolism — a potentially life-threatening condition when a clot or part of a clot travels to the lungs — as a result of flying long distances appears to be real, though small. An average of one passenger in 6,000 will suffer from deep vein thrombosis or a pulmonary embolism after a long-haul flight, according to a study by the World Health Organization.

The American College of Chest Physicians said in its most recent guidelines on the topic that developing deep vein thrombosis or a pulmonary embolism as a result of long-distance travel is unlikely for most travelers but that certain factors may increase the risk. They include having already had the conditions, having cancer, recent surgery or trauma, immobility, advanced age, using estrogen, being pregnant, being obese, and sitting in a window seat (because it can limit mobility). That said, when the American College of Chest Physicians issues guidelines it also grades them based on the quality of the evidence used to generate its recommendations. The group’s guidelines on this particular topic are graded 2C, which acknowledges that the evidence is of low quality.

It’s worth noting that deep vein thrombosis is not confined to air travel. “Anyone traveling more than four hours, whether by air, car, bus, or train, can be at risk for blood clots,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To help prevent clots, the C.D.C. suggests moving your legs frequently and exercising your calf muscles. More information is available at Cdc.gov/ncbddd/dvt/travel.html (from there you can learn more about evidence and risk factors by clicking the Yellow Book chapter on DVT and travel link).

The other major safety concern Mr. Cohen raised is the ability of passengers to exit a plane in the event of an emergency.

“The F.A.A. requires that planes be capable of rapid evacuation in case of emergency,” he said in a statement when the bill was voted down, “yet they haven’t conducted emergency evacuation tests on all of today’s smaller seats. That’s unacceptable.”

At issue, Mr. Cohen said, is that the Federal Aviation Administration hasn’t conducted emergency evacuation tests on airlines with a distance between rows of less than 29 inches. And the House sets no safety standards for seat width or pitch. The consumer rights group FlyersRights.org said in late February that “it has been years since airlines have been required to conduct these tests, and back then, they used young, fit employees to conduct the tests. Any aircraft that has subsequently reduced seat width or pitch, or has added seats per row, should be required to recertify to the 90-second evacuation standard for that configuration, using volunteers from the general population, conforming to demographic standards, without prior training in aircraft evacuation, and with those tests supervised by the F.A.A.”

Since the introduction of Mr. Cohen’s bill, it has garnered a few more supporters, including Representative Charles B. Rangel of New York and Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton of the District of Columbia.

Representative Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, a Republican, also signed on to the bill as a co-sponsor, joining several Democrats.

“I hope to see this go through the House with bipartisan support,” he said in a statement.

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Sunday, February 28, 2016

With the New Year come new resolutions, promises, plans – and best of all – new art exhibitions in London! From the Impressionists to the Modernists, sculpture to fashion, London honors all forms of art, and this year’s upcoming exhibitions are guaranteed to impress. Here are a few that we can’t wait to put in our calendars for 2016.

Otherworlds: Visions of our Solar System at the Natural History Museum

22 January-15 May 2016

Come see art and silence collide in this photographic exhibit by Michael Benson celebrating the past six decades of space exploration. The exhibit features original music by Brian Eno and NASA and ESA have provided raw data for the exhibit. So if you’ve ever wanted to see outer space for yourself, now’s your chance. Visit theOtherworlds exhibition website for more information.

Museum of Innocence at Somerset House

27 January – 3 April 2016

The Somerset House has collaborated with Nobel Prize-winning author Orhan Pamuk to create a physical representation of his novel The Museum of Innocence. The objects aim to tell the story of socialite Kemal Bay’s love affair with Füsun in 1970s Istanbul. Sounds like a truly original exhibit! Find out more here.

Painting the Modern Garden: Monet to Matisse at the Royal Academy of Arts

30 January-20 April 2016

Some of the most beautiful and important paintings from the Impressionists, Post-Impressionists and Avant-Garde artists come together in this exhibition examining the role of the garden. From Monet to Renoir, Klimt to Van Gogh, this exhibit won’t disappoint. Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended for this show since it will surely be a popular event. Find out more and book tickets in advance on the Royal Academy of Arts website.

Leonardo da Vinci: The Mechanics of Genius at Science Museum

10 February-4 September 2016

You know Leonardo da Vinci as a painter – but how well do you know him as an engineer? In 2016, the Science Museum will showcase his incredible talent through historical models of Leonardo’s inventions, large-scale reproductions of his famous drawings and sketches, interactive games, bio-inspired robotics and more. Find out all the exhibition details here.

Vogue 100: A Century of Style at National Portrait Gallery

11 February-22 May 2016

Ahh, Vogue. The illustrious fashion magazine turns a century old this year, so you can expect a range of photographs celebrating iconic looks and trends since 1916 on display at the equally stylish National Portrait Gallery. Find out more here.

Delacroix and the Rise of Modern Art at National Gallery

17 February-22 May 2016

Eugène Delacroix is considered one of the most, if not the most, influential artist of his era. This exhibition, the first of its kind in over 50 years in the UK, celebrates Delacroix, as well as examines his influence on contemporaries including Courbet and Géricault, who would later go on to influence the likes of Manet and Van Gogh. Read more about this exhibition here.

Botticelli and Treasures from the Hamilton Collection at The Courtauld Gallery

18 February – 15 May 2016

Two major exhibitions are paying homage to Botticelli this year. This one focuses on the stunning drawings Botticelli created for Dante’s Divine Comedy, as well as a collection of exquisite Renaissance illuminated manuscripts. Find out more at theCourtauld Gallery website.

Botticelli Reimagined at V&A

5 March-3 July 2016

Florentine artist Sandro Botticelli gifted the world with his exquisite painting, the Birth of Venus. But he also greatly influenced artists who would follow in his footsteps – an impact that will be on display come March. Find out all the exhibition information here.

Sunken Cities: Egypt’s Lost Worlds at British Museum

19 May-27 November 2016

How much do you know about ancient Egypt? What about ancient Greece? This groundbreaking exhibition will shed light on new discoveries found lurking at the bottom of the sea. Two cities that have been lost to time are about to see daylight once more. Book your tickets online here.

From her paintings of New Mexico to erotic flowers, Georgia O’Keeffe helped define American modernism. The landscape painter and feminist artist’s work will grace the Tate this July, a century after her New York debut. Find out more information and book your tickets online in advance by visiting the Tate Modern website.

In the country of fire and frost, geothermal hot springs are one of the best ways to warm up, and the Blue Lagoon is the king of them all. Though it is an undeniable attraction, there are a lot of things that could come as a surprise to first-time visitors. If floating in the warm waters of the Blue Lagoon is high on your bucket list, read on for the six most important things you should know about Iceland's Blue Lagoon—that no one tells you.

This is Not a Local Hangout

The Blue Lagoon is one of country's most popular attractions, and roughly 80 percent of tourists to Icelandmake their way here at some point. I knew this going in, but I was still surprised at what a total production it is. This is tourism's ground zero, my friends. You'll be outfitted with a special electronic bracelet upon arrival that allows you to purchase food and drinks, and you'll pay it off when you leave. If you lose this bracelet, you'll be charged a penalty fee. If you need a towel or robe or slippers, you'll have to pay to rent them.

It's Not in Reykjavik

It's in Keflavik, which is about an hour away from the main center of Reykjavik, near the airport. If your plane arrives during the day, you can book a bus from the airport (through Gray Line) that will take you to the lagoon, and then on to the main city. You can also do this in reverse, stopping at the Blue Lagoon on your way to the airport.

You Shower Naked Before You Enter

Most public pools make you shower before you enter the water, and the Blue Lagoon is no exception. The notable difference? Here, you shower sans bathing suit. It's a little strange at first, but there are several closed stalls you can choose to shower in, so you don't have to bare it all to the world. On my visit, there was a Blue Lagoon employee in the shower area to enforce this rule.

It Is a Full Blown Spa

Somehow in my head I thought the Blue Lagoon was going to be a small, intimate affair, but the structure itself is absolutely massive. The property houses a hotel, restaurants, and banquet facilities, and also offers spa treatments that are done in-water, as you float on a rubber mat. A full hour-long massage in the water costs 95 euros and a silica salt scrub, which uses Blue Lagoon minerals, is 80 euros for 30 minutes.

You Can Have Your Hotel Concierge Book Your Visit

Since a visit to the Blue Lagoon is one of the most iconic Iceland experiences, it's important to plan your visit in advance to make sure you're able to get in -- the Lagoon does fill to capacity from time to time, and you may be turned away. Reserve your spot when you book a bus to the Blue Lagoon, which staff at any hotel, like CenterHotel Thingholt, can book for you.

It's Not Cheap

First, there's the cost of entrance, which is 40 euros if you book online, and 45 euros if you just walk in. If you want to rent a towel, that's another five euros; a bathrobe, another 10, and cocktails are seven euros each. Without eating anything, you've spent at least 55 euros, which at the moment is roughly 60 USD. The Blue Lagoon sells itself as a luxury experience, and to enjoy it, you're going to be paying a luxury price.

Looking for a less expensive alternative? Try the Myvatn Nature Baths in Northern Iceland, which are also blue ($27 admission), the Secret Lagoon ($18 admission), or the Fontana Baths (an hour from Reykjavik, with $25 admission), or Laugardalslaug, Reykjavik's public pools, which will only set you back $7 for admission.

Saturday, February 27, 2016

Divers practiced this week in Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Olympic Games. An estimated 500,000 people are expected to visit Brazil for the Games from Aug. 5 to Aug. 21, raising concerns about the spread of the Zika virus.CreditRicardo Moraes/Reuters

Health officials in the United States have advised pregnant women who are scheduled to attend the Olympic Games in Brazilto reconsider their plans because of the Zika virus epidemic.

The agency also recommended, “If you have a male partner who goes to the Olympics, either use condoms or abstain from sex for the duration of your pregnancy.”

The C.D.C. issued special precautions for pregnant women who do decide to go to Brazil, as well as for women trying to become pregnant and men with pregnant partners. The C.D.C. said the precautions were necessary “because Zika virus infection in a pregnant woman is linked to a seriousbirth defect of the brain called microcephaly and miscarriage.”

“The Zika outbreak in Brazil is dynamic,” the C.D.C. said.

The agency said that pregnant women who choose to go to Brazil for the Olympic Games in August should first talk with their physician and then follow precautions to prevent mosquito bites, such as the use of specific insect repellent, covering exposed skin and staying in screened or air-conditioned rooms.

More than 580 babies with microcephaly have been confirmed in Brazil, with an additional 4,100 cases under investigation, according to Reuters.

An estimated 500,000 people are expected to visit Brazil for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro from Aug. 5 to Aug. 21. That potential influx hasraised concerns about Zika’s potential spread around the world. Some researchers believe that the virus arrived in Brazil during the 2014 World Cup.

On Friday, the C.D.C. reported that nine pregnant women in the United States had tested positive for Zika, one of whom gave birth to a baby with microcephaly. Dr. Thomas Frieden, the agency’s director, said that scientists were still studying the connection between Zika and the birth defect. The agency’s website showed a total of 107 travel-related Zika cases reported in the United States, minus its territories, but as yet no locally acquired cases.

In the latest advisory, the C.D.C. also recommended that men who travel to the Olympics use condoms or abstain from sex with pregnant partners, advice it has already given to those traveling to areas affected by Zika because of reports that the virus can be sexually transmitted.

As you may have read in the news, the demand for Disney Parks continues to grow, particularly during peak periods. At the same time, we have an unwavering commitment to exceeding the expectations of all our guests. That is why we continue to expand our parks with new attractions like those noted above, as well as entire new themed lands based on AVATAR, Star Wars and “Toy Story.”

It is also why we continue to look for ways to help spread out visitation. So, beginning tomorrow, we are shifting to seasonal pricing for 1-Day tickets. It’s an approach that you are probably familiar with from many other areas, including sports, entertainment and travel.

How does it work? Each month is divided into value, regular and peak days with an 8-11 month calendar available for viewing online. Here’s an example, if guests plan their visit for September, they’ll have a variety of options, including many days in the value period, which will give them the opportunity to pay less for a 1-Day ticket. If they plan to visit during a peak period, like the winter holidays, they will pay more. Purchasing a 1-Day ticket in a non-peak period, or choosing multi-day tickets and annual passes, will provide additional flexibility and value.

Seasonal pricing for a 1-Day ticket and price increases for multi-day tickets go into effect at Disney Parks on Sunday, Feb. 28. You can check out our Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resortpages for more details.

About Me

I (Allen Barkus) am the publisher of the Travelore Report newsletter, published monthly in print since 1971, with an 80,000 monthly paid circulation. This blog has also become one of the influential travel blogs in the industry with almost 175,000 views monthly. Our focus is on upscale value-added travel and travel related products and services worldwide. Since our lead time to print is typically at least three months, this blog allows us to keep our worldwide press contacts, paid subscribers @$68/yearly and general public aware of our editorial focus. Only paid subscribers get all of our detailed Destination Reports.
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